Simplified field use junctional tourniquets

ABSTRACT

A junctional tourniquet apparatus and related methods of use. An exemplary tourniquet has an inverted cone shape, wherein a narrower end has a mushroom shaped base that is pressed against a compression target and a broader end has a plurality of pass-through slots for straps. Another exemplary tourniquet has a broad plate component and a handle component. The handle component has a mushroom shaped base on a first end and a handle on a second end. The handle component passes through the center of the plate component with threads that allow the handle component to compress a target by twisting the handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/741,176, filed Oct. 4, 2018, entitled “SIMPLIFIED FIELD USE JUNCTIONAL TOURNIQUET,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The invention described herein includes contributions by one or more employees of the Department of the Navy made in performance of official duties and may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the United States Government for any governmental purpose without payment of any royalties thereon. This invention (Navy Case 200,567) is assigned to the United States Government and is available for licensing for commercial purposes. Licensing and technical inquiries may be directed to the Technology Transfer Office, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, email: Cran_CTO@navy.mil.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a junctional tourniquet for treating junctional hemorrhages.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a junctional tourniquet that can used to treat a patient suffering from a junctional hemorrhage. A junctional hemorrhage is an externally compressible hemorrhage for which a standard extremity tourniquet with circumferential compression is ineffective. The anatomic junctions include the proximal groin, gluteal and pelvic regions, axilla and shoulder girdle, and the base of the neck. These are multidimensional dynamic joints with rotational forces and musculoskeletal anatomy preventing basic circumferential tourniquet compression. Circumferential compression is highly effective for peripheral-extremity injuries and has significantly reduced preventable fatalities due to hemorrhage. Because junctional hemorrhages cannot be effectively treated with circumferential compression, a specialized junctional tourniquet is required. Commercial junctional tourniquets are large, heavy, and costly to produce, making them unsuitable for field usage.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a tourniquet has an inverted cone shape, wherein a narrower end has a mushroom shaped base that is pressed against a compression target and a broader end has a plurality of pass-through slots for straps.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a tourniquet has a broad plate component and a handle component. The handle component has a mushroom shaped base on a first end and a handle on a second end. The handle component passes through the center of the plate component with threads that allow the handle component to compress a target by twisting the handle.

Both tourniquets can be 3-D printed for approximately 10 U.S. dollars in resin. Mass production using injection molding would likely make them even more economical to produce. Because both tourniquets can use existing limb tourniquets, they can be wrapped around the patient with minimal movement of the patient.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1A shows a profile view of an exemplary tourniquet.

FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of an exemplary tourniquet.

FIG. 2A shows an exemplary tourniquet with tourniquet straps.

FIG. 2B shows an exemplary tourniquet with tourniquet straps.

FIG. 2C shows a simplified view of an exemplary tourniquet with straps.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of an exemplary tourniquet.

FIG. 3B shows an isometric view of an exemplary tourniquet.

FIG. 3C shows a top down view of an exemplary tourniquet.

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary plate section.

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary tourniquet with tourniquet straps.

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary tourniquet in an operational setting.

FIG. 5B shows a simplified view of an exemplary tourniquet with tourniquet straps.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of using a tourniquet.

FIG. 7 shows another exemplary method of using a tourniquet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

FIG. 1A shows a profile view of an exemplary tourniquet 1. The base diameter 5 (e.g., 46 millimeters (mm)) is smaller than the top diameter 9 (e.g., 70 mm). A smaller base allows the pressure to be focused in a smaller spot. This means less force is needed to compress a junction, for example the common femoral artery (CFA), with the desired results. The shape allows the tourniquet 1 to avoid obstructions such as bone, tissue, and organs so that the tourniquet 1 can properly compress the junction. The shape's ability to be pressed into the body helps to stabilize it and prevent tipping over. The exact cone angle 3 is not critical but will change the ratio of height to width. The mushroom style base 7 is able to apply pressure to a small area without digging or piercing the body. The base 7 includes a small flat spot 15 on the bottom (e.g., with a diameter of 10 mm). When placing a junctional tourniquet in the field, it may be difficult for the medic to precisely place the junctional tourniquet in the most effective location. The mushroom base shape allows for slight positioning errors while still effectively compressing the junction to the desired effect. The wide top with pass through slots (e.g., 14 mm tall) provide a stable platform when tightening with tourniquets. There are three support pillars 11. The top allows for off angle tourniquets to be applied. The ability to place tourniquets at multiple angles provides for enhanced stability in multiple axes. The ring 13 at the top prevents the tourniquets from slipping off. Slots can be added to the ring 13 itself to slip a strap (e.g., a limb tourniquet) through the ring 13. Increasing the height of the tourniquet 1 will increase the compression force, but decrease stability. A height of 64 mm can be used for the tourniquet 1 to balance compression force and stability. A cavity 17 can be added to reduce weight and material used. The material used to make the tourniquet 1 can vary, but it needs to withstand compression loads and field use.

FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of an exemplary tourniquet 1.

FIG. 2A shows an exemplary tourniquet 1 with tourniquet straps 21. Use of the tourniquet 1 with a tourniquet 21 that has a locking windlass is preferred. However, any strap with a tightening feature could be used to apply pressure to the tourniquet 1 to compress the junction.

FIG. 2B shows an exemplary tourniquet 1 with tourniquet straps 21.

FIG. 2C shows a simplified view of an exemplary tourniquet 1 with tourniquet straps 21.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of an exemplary tourniquet 101. The body section 135 of screw section 133 couples to a top plate 143 with threads 137. A base 149 is coupled to a bottom end of body section 135 such that rotating screw section 133 to lower/raise base 149 increases/decreases force and pressure applied to a junction. The base rim 151 is designed to snap onto the body section 135 and is able to rotate. Allowing the base rim 151 to rotate prevents the base 149 from twisting the skin and prevents it from walking-off. The diameter of base top section 153 (e.g., 50 mm diameter) is smaller than the diameter of top plate ring 145 (e.g., 120 mm) to allow the force to be focused in a smaller spot and decrease the force needed to compress the junction with the desired results. The curved shape of base 149 allows the tourniquet 101 to avoid obstructions such as bone, tissue, and organs so that the tourniquet 101 can properly compress the junction. The shape's ability to be pressed into the body helps to stabilize it and prevent tipping over. Second, the mushroom style base is able to apply pressure to a small area without digging or piercing the body. The base curves with a midpoint 155 (e.g., 40 mm diameter) with a small flat bottom 157 (e.g., 10 mm diameter). When placing a junctional tourniquet in the field, it may be difficult for a medic to precisely place the junctional tourniquet in the most effective location. The curved base shape allows for slight positioning errors while still effectively compressing the junction to the desired effect. The wide top plate ring 145 can include attachment posts 147 and holes (as shown in FIG. 3C) to secure the tourniquets or straps. The attachment posts 147 are designed to hook buckles around and prevent them from easily falling off. The holes can be used to secure the screw handle to prevent loosening or to attach the tourniquets. Multiple posts and holes allows the tourniquets to be applied at multiple angles. The ability to place tourniquets at multiple angles provides for enhanced stability in multiple axes. A handle section 141 can be used to facilitate rotation and provide additional compression to the junction. Grooves can be added to the handle to secure and prevent loosening. The screw thread height can be adjusted. To minimize storage in a field kit, the screw length can be equal to the diameter of base top section 153 (e.g., 50 mm). A low thread per inch can be selected for quick tightening and loosening. Body section 135 can be formed with a cavity provide a storage area. A cavity cap 131 can be used to close the cavity. The screw end 139 can be rounded to act as compression surface if the base 149 is lost in the field. Blood flow can be easily started and stopped again by rotating the screw section 133. This has the benefit of allowing the medic to back off the screw to start blood flow to identify hemorrhage locations if they need to convert the tourniquet. The material used to make the tourniquet 101 can vary, but it needs to withstand compression loads and field use. The screw shaft can indexed with a one-way ratchet to lock it at depth of insertion. The user can release this by pressing on the ratchet if subsequently attempting to convert the tourniquet.

FIG. 3B shows an isometric view of an exemplary tourniquet 101. Use of the tourniquet 101 with a tourniquet 21 that has a locking windlass is preferred. However, any strap with a tightening feature could be used to apply pressure to the tourniquet 101 to compress the junction.

FIG. 3C shows a top down view of an exemplary tourniquet 101.

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary plate section 143 with securing lines 161 passing through holes 159.

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary tourniquet 101. Securing lines 161 pass through holes 159 to couple tourniquet 101 to tourniquet straps 21.

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary tourniquet 101 in use around a patient's thigh. Tourniquet straps 21 are coupled to attachment posts 147.

FIG. 5B shows a simplified view of an exemplary tourniquet 101 with tourniquet straps 21.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of using a tourniquet 1, such as that shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, to constrict a CFA. At Step 101: Place the base on the patient overlying the CFA. Device orientation should have one of the three support pillars at the patient's 3 o'clock (left groin) or 9 o'clock (right groin) position. Thus, one support pillar is lateral with the remaining two support pillars superior and inferior medial. This gives three slots for tourniquet straps to thread through: superiolateral, inferiolateral, and medial. The centerline axis of the tourniquet should aim directly into the patient. At Step 103: Place a first windlass superficial of a first tourniquet strap to the contralateral Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS). At Step 105: Pass the strap behind the patient around the waist to the ipsilateral side. The first tourniquet strap should then be threaded through the inferiolateral slot first and the medial slot second. At Step 107: Once threaded, clip, but do not tighten, the first tourniquet strap. Ensure the centerline axis remains perpendicular. Do not allow the first windlass to be too close to the tourniquet as the tourniquet will block tightening of the windlass. At Step 109: Place the second windlass superficial to the ipsilateral femoral head. At Step 111: Pass the second tourniquet strap under the patient's thigh and through the groin. Thread the second tourniquet strap through the inferiolateral slot first and the superiolateral slot second. At Step 113: Once threaded, clip, but do not tighten, the second tourniquet strap. The first and second tourniquet straps should cross around the lateral prong. Ensure the straps stay flat and wide for maximum stability. At Step 115: Alternate tightening both tourniquets straps in succession. Repeat as necessary for maximum tightness. Throughout tightening, maintain pressure on the tourniquet to ensure the device centerline axis remains perpendicular to the CFA. At Step 117: Alternate tightening each windlass for maximum compression. At Step 119: Evaluate for hemorrhage control and adjust tourniquet and tourniquet straps as appropriate.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary method of using a tourniquet 101, such as that shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, to constrict a CFA. Step 201: Thread the body section through the aperture in the plate section so that the body section is protruding out the bottom of the plate section. At Step 203: Place the base section onto the second end of the body section. At Step 205: Place the base section on the patient overlying the CFA with the head tab (12 o'clock tab) towards the patient's head. The centerline axis should be perpendicular to the patient. At Step 207: Place the first windlass superficial to the ipsilateral femoral head. At Step 209: Pass the first tourniquet strap behind the patient around the waist to the contralateral side. At Step 211: Attach the windlass end of the first tourniquet strap to the 3 o'clock tab-loop. At Step 213: Bring the strap on the contralateral side superior to the ASIS and attach it to the 10:30 o'clock tab. Do not tighten yet. At Step 215: Place the second windlass just inferior to the first windlass, thus superior to the femoral head. At Step 217: Pass the second tourniquet strap around the patient's thigh. At Step 219: Attach the windlass end of the second tourniquet strap to the 1:30 o'clock tab-loop. At Step 221: Attach the strap end of the second tourniquet strap to the 9 o'clock tab. At Step 223: Alternate tightening both tourniquet straps in succession. Repeat as necessary for maximum tightness. Throughout tightening, maintain pressure on the tourniquet to ensure the device centerline axis remains perpendicular to the CFA. At Step 225: Alternate tightening each windlass for maximum compression. At Step 227: Turn the body section as needed to drive the base section posteriorly for maximum CFA compression.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A junctional tourniquet comprising: a support section comprising a ring and three support pillars, wherein the support pillars connect the ring to a first end of a body section; the body section comprising a conical frustum having a base at the first end of the body section and a top at a second end of the body section; a base section, wherein a first end of the base section is coupled to the second end of the body section, wherein a second end of the base section is formed with a flat circular surface.
 2. The junctional tourniquet of claim 1, wherein the base angle of the conical frustum is approximately 26.6 degrees.
 3. The junctional tourniquet of claim 1, wherein the body section forms a cavity and forms an aperture on the first end of the body section such that the aperture opens into the cavity.
 4. The junctional tourniquet of claim 1, wherein the maximum diameter of the base section is larger than the diameter of the top of the conical frustum.
 5. The junctional tourniquet of claim 4, wherein the diameter of the flat circular surface is smaller than the diameter of the top of the conical frustum. 